Depression Literacy: An Analysis of the Stigmatization of Depression in Thailand

Abstract

This article summarizes an investigation of the stigmatization of depression in Thailand to determine whether there is a relationship between depression literacy and personal stigma and perceived stigma. This mixed-method study utilized two questionnaires, the Depression Literacy Questionnaire and the Depression Stigma Scale, by Griffiths et al. and subsequently asked participants for their opinions of depression and stigmatization within the Thai context. About 914 online surveys were processed using correlational and descriptive analysis. Results indicate that the depression literacy score was moderate to average. Personal stigma, on average, was low to moderate. Perceived stigma, on average, was moderate to high. The correlation between depression literacy and personal stigma was a strong negative correlation, unlike in depression literacy and perceived stigma. The correlation between personal stigma and perceived stigma was a moderate positive correlation. The level of negative stigma was lower than the perceived stigma. This research indicated that depression literacy had a significant negative correlation with personal stigma but no correlation with perceived stigma. Other factors such as sex, level of education, religion, and prior experiences with people with depression play a moderate role in the level of depression literacy and personal stigma.